Nature Notebook

Did you know northern river otters live in southwest Michigan? Naturalists at Sarett have observed tracks, slides, and even the remnants of a big fish the secretive otters have eaten near the Paw Paw River.

With non-game fish as their staple diet, northern river otters spend most of their time foraging in rivers or lakes, up to a range of 50 miles. Otters also eat crustaceans, amphibians, and occasionally a turtle, duck, mink, muskrat, vole, or even aquatic plants.

They are known as playful animals, as evidenced by their sliding in mud, snow and even grass. However, most of these “play” activities serve a purpose, such as strengthening social bonds and practicing hunting techniques.

The original distribution of the mostly nocturnal river otter included most of Canada and the United States, but due to trapping, urbanization and pollution, their numbers were greatly reduced. Today, the northern river otter is making a steady comeback and can be found in the northern and western parts of our state.

Join us for our first ever indoor mini golf fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 4 – 10 p.m.! We will have a 9-hole course running throughout the nature center building. Family golf time is from 4 to 6 p.m. and adult (21 & older) golf time is from 7 to 10 p.m. The cost is $30/member team and $35/non-member team of 4-6 players. Snacks, drinks, & extra golf fun will be available for purchase. For more information go to sarett.org or call 269-927-4832.